Precision medicine in hearing loss

Abstract

Precision medicine (PM) proposes customized medical care based on a patient's unique genome, biomarkers, environment and behaviors. Hearing loss (HL) is the most common sensorineural disorder worldwide and is frequently caused by a single genetic mutation. With recent advances in PM tools such as genetic sequencing and data analysis, the field of HL is ideally positioned to adopt the strategies of PM. Here, we review current and future applications of PM in HL as they relate to the four core qualities of PM (P4): predictive, personalized, patient-centered, and participatory. We then introduce a strategy for effective incorporation of HL PM into the design of future research studies, electronic medical records, and clinical practice to improve diagnostics, prognostics, and, ultimately, individualized patient treatment. Finally, specific anticipated ethical and economic concerns in this growing era of genomics-based HL treatment are discussed. By integrating PM principles into translational HL research and clinical practice, hearing specialists are uniquely positioned to effectively treat the heterogeneous causes and manifestations of HL on an individualized basis.

Keywords: Genetics; Hearing loss; Personalized medicine; Precision medicine.